Sat Dec 06 16:00:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
“Right to Disconnect” Bill Introduced in Lok Sabha Amid Debate Over Work-Life Balance
New Delhi – A private member’s bill seeking to grant Indian employees the “right to disconnect” from work-related communications outside of office hours has been introduced in the Lok Sabha. The “Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025,” proposed by NCP MP Supriya Sule, aims to create an Employees’ Welfare Authority and legally empower employees to ignore work calls and emails after hours and on holidays.
The bill comes amid a growing national conversation about work-life balance, fueled by concerns over increasing work hours and recent comments from industry leaders advocating for longer workweeks. The debate intensified after the death of an EY employee in Australia drew attention to the impact of constant availability on employee stress and burnout. Australia passed “Right to Disconnect” rules in the past year.
A recent survey by Indeed revealed that 88% of Indian employees are routinely contacted outside of work hours, and 85% receive messages even during sick leave or holidays. Despite this, 79% fear that ignoring such communications could negatively impact their careers. The survey also highlighted a generational divide, with Gen Z employees expressing a stronger desire for boundaries and even considering quitting jobs that do not respect their right to disconnect.
While employers acknowledge concerns about losing skilled staff if work-life balance is ignored, many remain hesitant to restrict after-hours communication due to deadlines and productivity fears. However, a majority of employers support disconnect policies and would consider compensating employees who remain reachable beyond work hours.
The “Right to Disconnect Bill” joins a series of other private member bills introduced, including measures addressing menstrual benefits for women in the workplace, the abolishment of the death penalty, exemptions from NEET exams for Tamil Nadu medical admissions, and journalist protections. While private member bills rarely become law, they serve as an important platform for raising critical issues and initiating public discourse.
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